For example, quite a lot of the early films, with plots about cowboys and indians, are based upon the exploits of both, who retired to Southern California early in the 20th Century. Wyatt Earp, being one of them; there was plenty of material to work with, from among the veterans, so to speak, and create adventures for the new film industry.
I'm not sure if Peckinpah is still around, but I'd like to see what notes he may have accumulated for the movie.
I saw the movie, Villa Rides, a long time ago; it has a lot of "character." I think, that during its making, is the occasion in which Charles Bronson and Jill Ireland met and fell in love.
Robert Mitchum plays a fellow named "Lee Arnold," I think. But in real life, the pilot was actually Thayer Fish.
I do not know the actual details of how Thayer came to fly --- basically reconnaisance, I'd imagine --- for Villa.
I do know that Capt. Foulois had a heck of a time getting the aircraft made ready for the Pershing Expedition.